Rutgers Researchers Working With Lifeguards On Rescue Drone

BELMAR, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — New life-saving technology could be coming to a beach near you.

Lifeguards on the Jersey Shore are testing the waters on the use of rescue drones, CBS2’s Meg Baker reported Thursday.

High above Belmar’s beach soars a new tool. The high-tech device is an additional option during an emergency, providing flotation and communication.

“That could potentially buy lifeguards additional time, but it in no way removes the lifeguard from life-saving equation,” lifeguard Eric Kerecman said.

Belmar partnered with Rutgers University to test and tweak how the drone-assisted rescue operation would work.

“We found the drone can get out to a person about one minute faster than, say, if a lifeguard is having to battle a heavy surf,” said Hugh Roarty, the project manager at Rutgers’ Center for Ocean Observing Leadership.

They are also testing out the possibility of making the drone a walkie-talkie, so lifeguards can communicate with victims out in the water. Often a distressed swimmer panics, so a reassuring voice saying help is on the way could buy more time.

Lifeguards say the drone can also be used to monitor ocean conditions, including rip currents.